Crash &#39;N flash lighting system

ABSTRACT

A lighting system is described that is completely controlled and operated by the drummer of a musical band through cymbal crashes. An omni-directional, cat whisker style actuator electric limit switch is to be mounted to a standard cymbal stand just beneath the cymbal. A specifically modified actuator of the switch rests lightly on the underside of the cymbal. As the cymbal is struck, the downward motion of the cymbal and switch actuator closes the electrical contacts in the switch completing an electrical circuit. An associated outlet receptacle box wired schematically completes the lighting system and allows the user to plug in any standard light of choice. 
     The novelty of this invention provides for an “on cue” and simultaneous flash of light as the cymbal is struck.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to lighting systems in the entertainment industry and more particularly, describes a lighting system operated by the drummer of a band.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Proficient use of current lighting systems in the entertainment industry require other performers to physically step on a series of switches on a pedal board, pre-program complicated DMX controllers, or use random scene controllers to change lighting scenes. While these systems are effective, they require attention from the musicians and certain programming skills.

This lighting system requires no special attention or programming skills as it is clearly operated by the drummer and cycled on or off through physical cymbal crashes.

The presently invented lighting system would be easy to manufacture, use, store, and maintain, allowing lighting changes not possible with currently available systems and providing an “on cue” and functional alternative to random and predictable pattern sequenced light shows.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention is a lighting system for use in the entertainment industry that is completely operated and controlled by the drummer of a musical band through cymbal crashes.

The present invention has certain advantages over the currently available lighting systems as they do not provide an “on cue” or instantaneous cymbal crash/light flash subsequent light show that only the drummer of a band can provide through timed accents and physical crashes of the cymbal.

The present invention provides the user with an “on cue” and functional lighting alternative to random and predictable pattern sequenced light shows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of the limit switch application mounted to a standard cymbal stand.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of the plastic straw used to encase the limit switch actuator “whisker.”

FIG. 3 is an illustration of the vinyl tip applied to the leading edge of the plastic straw.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a plastic bead as applied to the vinyl tip on the limit switch actuator assembly.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of an adjustable mounting plate used to attach the limit switch body to the locking collars.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of the backing plate used to secure the limit switch body to the adjustable mounting bracket.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of the locking collar top used to secure the adjustable mounting assembly to a standard cymbal stand.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of the locking collar bottom used to secure the adjustable mounting assembly to a standard cymbal stand.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of the assembled adjustable mounting bracket as affixed to the cymbal stand.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of the outlet receptacle box.

FIG. 10A is an illustration of the non-switched outlet commonly used for accessories.

FIG. 10B is an illustration of the switched outlet schematically wired through the limit switch.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

An omni-directional, cat whisker style actuator electric limit switch (FIG. 1) is to be secured to an adjustable mounting plate (FIG. 5) by means of fasteners and backing plate (FIG. 6). The switch assembly (FIG. 1) is to be fastened to a standard cymbal stand just beneath the cymbal by means of an adjustable mounting bracket (FIGS. 5, 7, and 8). The actuator “whisker” of the limit switch (FIG. 1) is to be encased in a plastic straw (FIG. 2) and secured by means of electrical shrink tubing. A vinyl tip is to be installed (FIG. 3) at the leading edge of the actuator and plastic straw (FIG. 2) and acts as a miniature shock absorber as to not absorb vibrations from the cymbal into the switch body (FIG. 1) and therefore, changing the “brightness” or sound of the cymbal. A plastic bead (FIG. 4) is to be installed onto the vinyl tip (FIG. 3) to make for a smooth round surface for which the switch actuator assembly (FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4) will ride against the cymbal. The downward motion of the cymbal and switch actuator assembly (FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4) closes the electrical contacts in the limit switch actuator assembly (FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4) completing an electrical circuit and consequently making the circuit “live.” An associated two gang outlet receptacle box (FIG. 10) wired schematically (FIG. 10B) through the limit switch actuator assembly (FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4) completes the lighting system of the switched outlet (FIG. 10B) and allows the user to plug in a standard light of choice. Therefore, providing the user of this lighting system a flash of light as the circuit is completed through cymbal/switch movements. A non-switched outlet (FIG. 10A) of the two gang outlet receptacle box (FIG. 10) supplies constant A.C. power for accessories.

Thus, while the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it is to be clearly understood by those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited thereto. Rather, the scope of the invention is to be interpreted only in conjunction with the appended claims. 

1. A drummer controlled lighting system comprising: An omni-directional cat whisker style actuator limit switch used to control the on/off lighting cycles of a light show as executed by the drummer of a band through cymbal movement (crashes). A plastic straw used to encase the limit switch actuator whisker and to connect subsequent parts. A vinyl tip used to act as a miniature shock absorber to dissipate vibrations. A plastic bead used to make a smooth round surface for which the switch actuator assembly will ride against the cymbal. Whereby, in conjunction with the combined parts the claimed invention of lighting control is obtained through cymbal movement (crashes) without scratching or marring the cymbal surface or changing the sound.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 is affixed to mounting bracket assembly comprising: A two piece adjustable locking collar used to affix the mounting bracket assembly to a standard cymbal stand. An adjustable mounting plate used to affix the switch body for desired angle of switch actuation. A backing plate used to affix the switch body securely to the adjustable mounting plate. Whereby, in conjunction with the combined parts the claimed invention of the mounting bracket assembly allows for varying degrees of switch actuation and adaptation to stands of different sizes.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 is controlled through a schematically wired two gang outlet receptacle box comprising: A switched outlet through the limit switch. A non-switched outlet. Whereby, in conjunction with the combined parts the claimed invention of the schematically wired two gang outlet receptacle box allows for the user to use the non-switched outlet for accessories while using the switched outlet to control the light show through cymbal and limit switch actuation. 